What's your client's situation?
For Agent / Partner Use Only
Scenario
First-time buyer eyeing a home in the $150K–$1.1M range. Has money for closing costs but nothing saved for a down payment. 620+ credit.
What It Does
loanDepot covers the 3.5% or 5% down payment as a repayable 2nd mortgage (10-year term, rate = 1st mortgage + 2%). Buyer walks in with $0 down payment of their own. FHA financing, so flexible credit and income guidelines.
Who Qualifies
FHA purchase, primary residence. No income limits. No balloon payment. Available on FHA Fixed 30-year and FHA High Balance.
What to Tell Your Client
“You may qualify for zero down payment financing — we cover the down payment for you.”
Agent Pitch
“Your buyer brings zero for the down payment. We handle it.”
Scenario
Buyer purchasing a $500K home and qualifies for HomeReady or Home Possible. Income is under 80% of area median. Needs a little extra to cover closing costs or reduce out-of-pocket.
What It Does
loanDepot grant of the lesser of 2% of purchase price or $3,000. This is a grant — no repayment, no lien. If income is under 50% AMI and the buyer is a first-time homebuyer, Fannie Mae adds another $2,500 credit on top. Pairs with HomeReady/Home Possible at 95-97% LTV.
Who Qualifies
Conventional purchase, primary residence, 620+ FICO. Income must be at or below 80% AMI for the loanDepot grant. 50% AMI + first-time homebuyer for the additional Fannie Mae $2,500 credit.
What to Tell Your Client
“You could receive up to $5,500 in grants to help with your closing costs — no repayment required.”
Agent Pitch
“Up to $5,500 in combined grants toward your buyer's closing costs.”
Scenario
Buyer finds a dated home listed at $350K that needs $100K in work. Renovated comps are going for $550K+. Or a homeowner wants to fix up their place before listing — renovate, increase the value, then sell.
What It Does
Finance the purchase price plus renovation costs in a single conventional mortgage based on the 'as-completed' appraised value. Up to 97% LTV on primary (first-time buyer). No restriction on renovation types — kitchens, baths, additions, ADUs. Great play for sellers too: renovate with a HELOC or reno loan, boost the value, then list.
Who Qualifies
Primary, second home, or investment. Per DU credit score. Reno costs cannot exceed 75% of lesser of purchase+reno or as-completed value. Must complete within 6 months.
What to Tell Your Client
“Finance your home purchase and renovation in one simple loan — based on your home's future value.”
Agent Pitch
“One loan. One close. Buy the ugly house and make it beautiful — or fix it up before you sell.”
Scenario
Lower-credit buyer (580+) finds a home listed at $250K needing $60K in work. Can't qualify conventional. Or a homeowner with an FHA loan wants to renovate before listing.
What It Does
FHA loan that rolls purchase + renovation into one mortgage. Standard version for $5K+ in repairs with no max — covers structural, additions, even ADUs. Limited version for up to $75K in non-structural work. 96.5% LTV. Also eligible for HUD REO $100 down incentive. Smart pre-listing strategy too: renovate, increase value, sell.
Who Qualifies
Primary residence, 1-4 units or manufactured. 580+ FICO. HUD consultant required on Standard. Must complete within 12 months (Standard) or 9 months (Limited).
What to Tell Your Client
“Buy a fixer-upper with as little as 3.5% down — even with credit scores starting at 580.”
Agent Pitch
“Low credit? Low down? Still want a fixer? This is the one.”
Scenario
Self-employed borrower with a thriving business that shows low income on tax returns. Strong bank deposits, 700+ credit, buying a $600K primary residence.
What It Does
Qualify using 12 or 24 months of bank statements, a 12-month P&L from a CPA, 1-year 1099s, or asset depletion/utilization. No tax returns needed on alt-doc options. Fixed and ARM options, interest-only available. Up to $3M loan amounts.
Who Qualifies
Primary, second home, or investment. Min 660 FICO (700+ for asset utilization). Self-employed required for bank statement path. Max 80% LTV on P&L path, up to 90% on full doc.
What to Tell Your Client
“Qualify based on your bank deposits instead of tax returns — designed for business owners.”
Agent Pitch
“Makes great money but can't prove it on a 1040? We have a way.”
Scenario
Real estate investor buying a rental property. Doesn't want to document personal income. The property rents for $2,200/mo and PITIA is $1,800/mo.
What It Does
Qualify based on the property's rental income vs. its monthly payment. No personal income, employment, or DTI required. Cashflow ratio as low as 0.75. Can close in an LLC. Short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) eligible. Interest-only options available. Up to $3M, up to 80% LTV.
Who Qualifies
Investment property only, 1-4 units. Min 660 FICO (700 for first-time investors). 5-year prepay penalty. Manual underwrite.
What to Tell Your Client
“Qualify for an investment property loan based on the property's rental income — no personal income docs needed.”
Agent Pitch
“The property qualifies — not the person. Built for investors.”
Scenario
Buyer purchasing a $1.2M home. Has 10% down ($120K) and a 720 credit score. On a typical jumbo, they'd need 20% down or pay expensive MI.
What It Does
Up to $4M loan amount. 90% LTV on purchase for primary residence with NO mortgage insurance required above 80% — that's the killer feature. 30-year fixed available. Temporary buydowns (3/2/1, 2/1, 1/0) also available at 80% LTV with seller contribution. ARMs available in select markets.
Who Qualifies
Primary residence or second home. Min 700 FICO. Max 50% DTI. 1-4 units. Min loan amount $500K. DU or LPA. Not available in all states (check geographic eligibility).
What to Tell Your Client
“Put just 10% down on a high-end home — with no mortgage insurance, saving you hundreds per month.”
Agent Pitch
“10% down on a million-dollar home. Zero mortgage insurance.”
Scenario
Homeowner wants to buy their next home but hasn't sold their current one yet. Doesn't want to make an offer contingent on the sale — that kills their competitiveness.
What It Does
A closed-end second mortgage that lets the homeowner tap equity from their current home (which must be listed for sale) to fund the down payment and closing costs on the new purchase. Interest-only 30-year term. Once the old home sells, they pay off the bridge. The new purchase loan must close with loanDepot.
Who Qualifies
Primary residence only, 1 unit. Current home must be listed for sale. Min 640 FICO. Max $350K loan amount (combined liens up to $3M). Up to 85% CLTV at 740+ FICO. Manual underwrite. Not available in MD, NC, PA, TN, TX, or VT.
What to Tell Your Client
“Buy your next home before selling your current one — using the equity you've already built.”
Agent Pitch
“Buy the new house first. Sell the old one on your timeline.”
Scenario
Washington state buyer whose family has been impacted by historically discriminatory housing policies. They (or a parent/grandparent) lived in Washington before April 1968 and identify as Black, Hispanic, Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Korean, or Asian Indian.
What It Does
Up to 10% down payment assistance, not to exceed $15,000, structured as a deferred forgivable loan through WSHFC. No sales price limit. Can be combined with other Commission or community DPA programs. Buydowns are permitted. Homebuyer education required through HomeAmerica online self-study course.
Who Qualifies
Washington state only. Must meet the ancestry/residency criteria above. Must occupy as primary residence. Available statewide. Conv or FHA 1st mortgages. Must follow agency guidelines and AUS approval.
What to Tell Your Client
“You may qualify for up to $15,000 in forgivable down payment assistance through a Washington state program.”
Agent Pitch
“Up to $15K forgivable. Designed to close the homeownership gap in Washington.”
Scenario
Washington state buyer (any of the 39 counties). May be a veteran, first-time buyer, or buying in a targeted area. Wants to minimize out-of-pocket.
What It Does
Multiple stackable programs through WSHFC: Home Advantage DPA (up to 4% deferred second), House Key Opportunity (state bond with income limits, no first-time buyer requirement in targeted areas), Veterans DPA (for WA vets with DD-214), and the Covenant Homeownership Program above. These can pair with Conv or FHA 1st liens through loanDepot.
Who Qualifies
Washington state only. Income limits and household size limits apply per program. Must occupy as primary residence. Varies by program — some require first-time buyer, some don't.
What to Tell Your Client
“Washington state offers several down payment assistance programs that can be combined — potentially covering your entire down payment.”
Agent Pitch
“Washington has some of the best stackable DPA in the country. Let me show you.”
Scenario
Veteran or active-duty military member buying a home.
What It Does
0% down payment, no monthly mortgage insurance. VA funding fee can be rolled into the loan. Available up to conforming loan limits.
Who Qualifies
Veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses with a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
What to Tell Your Client
“If you've served our country, you may qualify to buy a home with absolutely nothing down — no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance.”
Agent Pitch
“If your client has served, VA is almost always the best option — zero down, no MI, competitive rates. Ask about their service history early.”
Scenario
Buyer with moderate income purchasing their first home. Qualifies for conventional financing but needs help with the down payment.
What It Does
loanDepot's AccessOne program provides lender-paid down payment assistance on conventional loans. Pairs with Fannie Mae guidelines for primary residence purchases. Designed to reduce the buyer's cash-to-close without a second lien.
Who Qualifies
Conventional purchase, primary residence. Income limits may apply based on AMI. Standard agency credit and DTI requirements.
What to Tell Your Client
“You may qualify for down payment assistance built right into your conventional loan.”
Agent Pitch
“Conventional financing with built-in down payment help — no second mortgage.”
Scenario
First-time buyer who qualifies for conventional but has zero saved for a down payment. Prefers conventional over FHA to avoid lifetime MI.
What It Does
loanDepot's AccessZero program offers 100% financing on conventional loans — no down payment required from the borrower. Avoids FHA's lifetime mortgage insurance while still offering zero-down entry.
Who Qualifies
Conventional purchase, primary residence. First-time homebuyer preferred. Income and geographic restrictions may apply.
What to Tell Your Client
“Buy your first home with absolutely nothing down — on a conventional loan with no lifetime mortgage insurance.”
Agent Pitch
“Zero down on conventional — no FHA, no lifetime MI.”
Scenario
Buyer with household income at or below 80% of area median. May be a first-time or repeat buyer. Wants the lowest possible down payment on a conventional loan.
What It Does
Fannie Mae HomeReady and Freddie Mac Home Possible both offer 3% down with reduced mortgage insurance rates. Boarder income and non-borrower household income can be used to qualify. Homebuyer education may be required. Pairs with loanDepot's $3K grant and other DPA programs.
Who Qualifies
Conventional purchase, primary residence, 620+ FICO. Income at or below 80% AMI. 1-unit properties. Manufactured housing eligible on Home Possible.
What to Tell Your Client
“Put just 3% down with lower monthly insurance costs — designed for moderate-income homebuyers.”
Agent Pitch
“3% down, reduced MI, and it stacks with our grants. Perfect for moderate-income buyers.”
Scenario
Buyer wants to build a new home from the ground up on a lot they own or are purchasing. Doesn't want separate construction and permanent loans.
What It Does
Single-close construction-to-permanent loan. Covers lot purchase, construction costs, and permanent financing in one mortgage. Converts automatically to a permanent loan when construction is complete. Available on conventional and government (FHA/VA) programs.
Who Qualifies
Primary residence. Conventional or government eligible. Builder must be approved. Construction timeline limits apply. Check product matrix for specific LTV and credit requirements by program type.
What to Tell Your Client
“Build your new home with a single loan that covers everything from construction to your permanent mortgage.”
Agent Pitch
“One loan, one close — from dirt to move-in. No refinance needed after construction.”
Scenario
Homeowner with an existing FHA mortgage wants to take advantage of lower rates. Doesn't want a full underwrite or appraisal.
What It Does
Streamlined refinance for existing FHA borrowers. No appraisal required in most cases. Reduced documentation — no income or employment verification needed. Must result in a net tangible benefit (lower payment). Upfront MI may be partially refundable.
Who Qualifies
Must currently have an FHA loan. Must be current on payments (no 30-day lates in last 6 months, no more than one in last 12). Primary residence. Must have had the FHA loan for at least 210 days.
What to Tell Your Client
“If you already have an FHA loan, you may be able to lower your rate quickly with very little paperwork.”
Agent Pitch
“Already on FHA? We can drop the rate with almost no paperwork.”
Scenario
Veteran or service member with an existing VA loan who wants to refinance to a lower rate without the hassle of a full underwrite.
What It Does
VA's streamline refinance (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan). No appraisal required. No income or asset documentation in most cases. Must result in a lower rate or switch from ARM to fixed. VA funding fee can be rolled in.
Who Qualifies
Must currently have a VA loan. Must be current on payments. Must have had the VA loan for at least 210 days. Veteran or eligible service member.
What to Tell Your Client
“If you have a VA loan, you may be able to lower your interest rate with minimal paperwork and no appraisal.”
Agent Pitch
“Veteran already on a VA loan? We can drop the rate — almost zero paperwork.”
Scenario
Experienced real estate investor expanding their portfolio. Wants flexible terms — interest-only, longer lock periods, or higher leverage than standard DSCR products.
What It Does
Expanded DSCR product through loanDepot's JV partnerships. Flexible underwriting with DSCR ratios as low as 0.75. Interest-only options, ARMs, and extended rate locks available. Allows LLC/entity vesting. Short-term rental income (Airbnb/VRBO) eligible.
Who Qualifies
Investment property, 1-4 units. Min 660 FICO. Up to 80% LTV. Experience requirements may apply for certain tiers. 5-year prepay standard.
What to Tell Your Client
“Flexible investment property financing that qualifies based on the property's income, with options like interest-only payments.”
Agent Pitch
“More flexible than our standard DSCR — lower ratios, interest-only, and LLC closings.”
Scenario
Buyer purchasing or refinancing a luxury property above standard jumbo limits. Needs a high loan amount with competitive terms.
What It Does
loanDepot's premium jumbo product for high-value transactions. Competitive rates on loans above standard jumbo thresholds. 30-year fixed and ARM options. Available for purchase and refinance.
Who Qualifies
Primary residence or second home. High credit scores required (typically 720+). Low DTI. Check product matrix for specific loan amount tiers and LTV limits.
What to Tell Your Client
“Financing designed for high-value homes, with competitive rates and flexible terms for larger loan amounts.”
Agent Pitch
“For the biggest deals — premium jumbo with competitive rates at the highest loan amounts.”
Scenario
Buyer wants to purchase a condo that fails standard Fannie/Freddie project approval — maybe too many investor-owned units, pending litigation, or a single entity owns too many units.
What It Does
Special financing for condominiums that don't meet standard agency warrantability requirements. Covers common disqualifiers: high investor concentration, commercial space, pending HOA litigation, new construction with insufficient pre-sales, and single-entity ownership above thresholds.
Who Qualifies
Primary residence, second home, or investment. Higher credit and down payment requirements than standard condos. Check the nonwarrantable condo guidelines for specific scenarios.
What to Tell Your Client
“Even if your condo doesn't meet standard financing rules, we may still be able to help you get a loan.”
Agent Pitch
“Condo doesn't pass the standard test? We can still finance it.”
Scenario
Teacher, law enforcement officer, firefighter, or EMT buying a HUD-owned home in a revitalization area. The property is listed in HUD's Good Neighbor inventory.
What It Does
HUD offers a 50% discount off the list price of homes in designated revitalization areas to qualifying public servants. Buyer must commit to living in the home for 3 years. Can be financed with FHA, VA, or conventional. A silent second mortgage covers the discount — forgiven after 3 years of occupancy.
Who Qualifies
Full-time law enforcement officers, pre-K through 12th grade teachers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians. Must purchase a HUD-owned property listed in the GNND program. 3-year owner-occupancy requirement.
What to Tell Your Client
“If you're a teacher, officer, firefighter, or EMT, you may be able to buy a home at 50% off the list price through a HUD program.”
Agent Pitch
“Teachers, cops, firefighters — they can buy HUD homes at half price. Literally 50% off.”
Scenario
Buyer in an eligible community or program area who needs additional support beyond standard DPA programs. May be a first-time buyer with limited savings.
What It Does
Hope for Homeownership (HOPER / H4H) provides down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible buyers. Program details vary by community and funding source. Can be paired with FHA or conventional first liens.
Who Qualifies
Eligibility varies by program iteration and community. Typically targets low-to-moderate income buyers in specific geographic areas. Homebuyer education may be required.
What to Tell Your Client
“You may be eligible for additional down payment help through a community homeownership assistance program.”
Agent Pitch
“Extra DPA support through the HOPER program — check if your buyer's area qualifies.”
Scenario
Texas homeowner looking to refinance their primary residence. Texas has unique homestead laws (Article XVI, Section 50(a)(6)) that restrict cash-out refinancing.
What It Does
Texas-compliant refinance products on both conventional (Fannie Mae) and government (Freddie Mac) channels. Structured to comply with Texas homestead law while providing competitive rate-and-term or limited cash-out options. Specific fee and LTV limits apply per Texas law.
Who Qualifies
Texas homestead property (primary residence). Must comply with Texas A6 refinance rules. Check product-specific matrices for FICO, LTV, and fee limits.
What to Tell Your Client
“If you own a home in Texas, we offer refinance options designed to work within Texas homestead law.”
Agent Pitch
“Texas refinance has special rules — we handle the A6 compliance so you don't have to.”
Scenario
High-income buyer purchasing or refinancing a luxury property who wants to minimize monthly payments in the early years. Plans to sell or refinance before the IO period ends.
What It Does
Jumbo ARM with an interest-only payment period. Lower initial monthly payments compared to fully amortizing loans. Available with various ARM terms (5/1, 7/1, 10/1). Converts to fully amortizing after the IO period. Competitive rates on high loan amounts.
Who Qualifies
Primary residence or second home. High credit scores (typically 720+). Min loan amount applies. Check product matrix for specific ARM terms, IO periods, and LTV limits.
What to Tell Your Client
“Reduce your monthly payments in the early years with an interest-only option on a high-end home loan.”
Agent Pitch
“Interest-only on jumbo — lower payments upfront for clients who want cashflow flexibility.”
Let's close more deals together.